BTV must compete with pvt channels

Says prime minister

Artists perform a dance in Bangladesh Television's 48 years' celebration programme at the Television Centre in the capital yesterday. The state-run BTV was founded in 1964. Photo: Focus BanglaUnb, Dhaka

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday asked the state-run Bangladesh Television (BTV) authorities to upgrade its standard to compete with the private television channels in the country.

She gave the directive at the inaugural programme marking the completion of 48 years of BTV through video conferencing from her official residence, Gono Bhaban.

Hasina said the authorities of BTV, the only terrestrial TV channel of the country, will have to give more attention to their programmes to attract more viewers.

The prime minister urged the BTV authorities to take further initiatives to broadcast more programmes relating to agriculture, trade, weather and climate change, healthcare, and women and children.

She said the BTV will also have to take more initiative to involve the people with the government activities and inspire them in the spirit of the War of Liberation.

Hasina said the standard of BTV has increased over the years with the addition of modern technology and new programmes.

“The BTV is also ahead in broadcasting programmes related to education and it will have to be attentive to make such programmes more attractive and effective,” she said.

“We've taken massive prorgrammes for BTV's technological advancement, creative development and network expansion,” she added.

Later, Hasina talked to Information Minister Hasanul Huq Inu, who was at the Rampura TV Station, through video conferencing.